REDHEADS could become extinct as Scotland gets sunnier, experts have claimed.
The gene that causes red hair is thought to be an evolutionary response to the lack of sun in Scotland.
Redhead colouring allows people to get the maximum vitamin D from what little sun there is.
Only one to two per cent of the world’s population has red hair but in Scotland the figure is about 13 per cent, or 650,000 people.
However, the figure could fall dramatically – and even see redheads die out completely in a few centuries – if predictions that the country’s climate is set to become much sunnier are true.
Dr Alistair Moffat, boss of genetic testing company ScotlandsDNA, said: “We think red hair in Scotland, Ireland and the north of England is adaptation to the climate. We do not get enough sun and have to get all the vitamin D we can.
“If it was to get less cloudy and there was more sun, there would be fewer people carrying the gene.”
Another scientist, who asked not to be named because of the theoretical nature of the work, said: “I think the gene is slowly dying out. Climate change could see a decline in the number of people with red hair in Scotland.”
Canadian comic Shawn Hitchins, who led a ginger pride march in Edinburgh last year, said: “It seems like everyone is coming up with new ways to eradicate the gingers.”
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Wailers: Redder Than Red (Version)(Link)
Note: The Glasgow newspaper illustrated their story using photos of contemporary celebrities, e.g., Ed Sheeran, Julianne Moore, Prince Harry. Fair enough, but I preferred taking the opportunity to re-present images of the (according to Gustave Courbet) la belle irelandaise Joanna Hiffernan, who for me (and for J.A.M.Whistler) was the most beautiful redhead of them all.
Curtis, people always comment on my grandson's red hair, the result of some red headed Scots on both sides. I am always surprised at the reactions but I suppose it is rare enough that he will always get those comments. But of course we slather him with sunblock and cover up with hats and so on so vitamin D has to be found in other ways
ReplyDeleteHe'll be fine. I love red hair. I think this article is incredibly silly. I also tend to think that the "climate change" obsession has more to do with people wanting to believe that their lives have dramatic consequences and that the world could not possibly outlive them (along with the usual political and commercial corruption) than anything else. I love the Whistler paintings. Curtis
DeleteI am sure the Whistler paintings are a huge improvement on the celebrities used in the original article. A novel idea, substituting art for celebrities we don't care about. But this waking up at 3 am -ish must be getting old (?) although it does result in creative blog posts.
ReplyDeleteThere is a wonderful record by the Pretty Things called Midnight To Six Man. I try to look on the positive side of things. Curtis
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